Lakers Eye Keon Ellis as Defensive Struggles Mount - But Can They Meet Sacramento's Asking Price?
Keon Ellis might not be the biggest name on the trade market, but he’s quickly becoming one of the most coveted. The Sacramento Kings guard has quietly built a reputation as a prototypical 3-and-D wing - the kind of player every contender wants in their playoff rotation. And for a Los Angeles Lakers team that’s been bleeding points and bricking threes, Ellis checks a lot of boxes.
Here’s where it gets interesting: despite the growing interest - reportedly from around 10 teams - Sacramento’s asking price isn’t sky-high. According to league sources, the Kings are seeking a late first-round pick for the 26-year-old guard. That’s a relatively modest price for a player who brings elite shooting and high-level perimeter defense.
The Lakers, of course, don’t have a 2026 first-round pick to offer. But they can put a 2031 first-rounder on the table, potentially sweetened with a pick swap.
That’s not exactly an offer that screams urgency, especially if Sacramento is looking for more immediate value. But it does put L.A. in the conversation - and that’s not nothing.
Let’s talk about why Ellis is such a hot commodity.
In the 2024-25 season - the one where he finally got consistent minutes - Ellis averaged 8.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and nearly a block per game. He also knocked down 1.7 threes a night on .433 shooting from deep.
And he did all that in just 24.4 minutes per game. Those are the kind of numbers that jump off the page, especially when paired with his .489 field goal percentage and .849 mark from the free-throw line.
He’s not just a shooter - he’s a disruptor on defense, a guy who can pick up full court, fight over screens, and make life miserable for opposing ball-handlers. For a Lakers team ranked 25th in defensive rating and 23rd in three-point percentage, Ellis is exactly the kind of two-way wing they’ve been missing.
The challenge? Competition.
With close to 10 teams reportedly in the mix, the Lakers aren’t bidding in a vacuum. And while their 2031 first-rounder has some future appeal, it may not be enough to sway the Kings - especially if other teams are offering picks with more immediate value.
That’s where things could get creative.
If Sacramento is open to a package that includes young talent with upside, the Lakers have a potential swing piece in Dalton Knecht. The rookie hasn’t carved out a major role in the 2025-26 season, but he flashed serious scoring potential last year before the Luka Doncic trade reshaped the roster. Knecht’s ability to shoot and create could appeal to a Kings front office looking to build out a younger core.
A deal centered around Knecht and a future first-round pick could give Sacramento both a developmental piece and long-term draft capital. It’s not a guaranteed win, but it’s a package that at least keeps L.A. in the running.
And make no mistake - the Lakers need a player like Ellis. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis still anchoring the team, the window to contend is open, but not indefinitely. Adding a low-usage, high-impact role player who defends and spaces the floor would go a long way toward stabilizing a team that’s struggled to find consistency on both ends.
The Kings may ultimately get better offers. But if they value a blend of youth and future flexibility, the Lakers are in position to make a compelling pitch. The question is whether they’re willing to pull the trigger - and whether Sacramento sees enough upside in what L.A. can offer.
For now, Ellis remains a realistic, if competitive, trade target. And for a Lakers team in need of a spark, he might just be worth the gamble.